CIPS Certification Exam Guide — Format, Process & Expert Tips
Exam Format · Pass Marks · Registration · Online vs Centre · 98% Pass Rate
CIPS qualifications are assessed module by module through computer-based Objective Response (OR) and Constructed Response (CR) exams. Levels 2 and 3 use OR assessments; the current Levels 4 to 6 specifications use OR and CR depending on the module. Official pass marks are 70% for OR and 50% for CR, while duration and availability must be checked in the current module specification and exam timetable.
CIPS qualifications are assessed module by module using computer-based Objective Response (OR) and Constructed Response (CR) exams. Levels 2 and 3 use OR assessments. The current Levels 4, 5 and 6 specifications use a mix of OR and CR formats depending on the module. The official pass mark is 70% for OR and 50% for CR.
CIPS exam formats at a glance
Current CIPS assessment formats and pass marks
| Qualification | Assessment format | Pass mark | Duration |
|---|
| Levels 2-3 | Objective Response (OR) | 70% | Varies by module; check the current specification |
|---|
| Levels 4-6 | Objective Response and Constructed Response, depending on module | 70% OR / 50% CR | Varies by module; check the current specification |
|---|
CIPS exam process
- Register with CIPS and keep your membership active.
- Confirm the correct qualification and modules.
- Prepare using the current syllabus and assessment criteria.
- Book through the CIPS portal for an available exam window and permitted delivery mode.
- Sit the assessment with valid identification and the required technical setup.
- Check the official timetable for the relevant result-release date.
Exam availability, permitted remote-invigilation options, duration and result dates can change by module and region. Use the current official CIPS exam timetable and module specification rather than relying on a fixed historic schedule.